Among the changes in the new proposal, the NHL adjusted its max contract length from 5 to 6 yrs. Boosted the variance from 5% to 10%

Hard to imagine the NHL's latest proposal doesn't result in potentially season-saving meetings. Players wanted flexibility and they got it.

Sounds like the league has made some interesting concessions, moving towards the players on the contracting issues. Also interesting to see that the league is offering each team one compliance buyout to get back under the cap.

So - from what I can gather.....It's pretty much where the owners left off from their meeting with the players from a few weeks ago - only with 6 years for UFAs (instead of 5 years), and a "buyout" per franchise.

So - from what I can gather.....It's pretty much where the owners left off from their meeting with the players from a few weeks ago - only with 6 years for UFAs (instead of 5 years), and a "buyout" per franchise.

Sounds like it. And the increase in contract variance to 10% instead of 5%.

It's still early in the news cycle for this offer, though. When/if more details become public, we might see additional concessions (or possibly demands) from the owners' side.

Now - does Fehr still act as the lead negotiator for the players?..Can he "nix" this latest offer?

Yes. The PA voted in favor of the Disclaimer of Interest, but they have yet to officially de-certify, so Fehr is still representing the PA. However, I don't think Fehr has the kind of power to unilaterally "nix" an offer. He could recommend the players push for more, but I don't think he could just say No, and force the players to live under whatever CBA he agrees to.

At this point - this seems like a good/fair offer...I'm under the impression the split of revenue is still 50/50?

I believe so, yes. Nothing I've seen says anything otherwise, and from the previous negotiations, I think everyone has come to accept that 50/50 is going to happen.

IMHO - if the players don't accept, or take this offer seriously - then goodbye NHL season 2012/2013.

I am definitely pro-player in this ordeal. IMHO, the players deserve the lions share of the pie. However, I do admire the owner's attempts at making offers. I mean, if nobody is making any offers, then nothing will get done. The owners are definitely taking charge in that respect and dropping ideas out there to see if anything catches. This is how negotiating is done properly.

Eklund's gained credibility over breaking this new offer is actually more interesting than the offer itself lol.

It's nice that this will lead to a deal but it's annoying that everyone involved knew it would probably be January till a deal was done pretty much right from the start. We as fans cannot let the owners/players forget about this BS lockout, not for a long time.

Eklund's gained credibility over breaking this new offer is actually more interesting than the offer itself lol.

It's nice that this will lead to a deal but it's annoying that everyone involved knew it would probably be January till a deal was done pretty much right from the start. We as fans cannot let the owners/players forget about this BS lockout, not for a long time.

I agree. The best way to speak is with your wallet. The NHL makes a ton of money off gate receipts. Just don't go to games. That will be a pretty big blow to the NHL. The problem is that many people aren't dumping their season tickets over this. So the NHL and NHLPA have zero incentive to do anything for the fans.